Wichita eagle., 1887-04-03
rupplng ana rupp1ng Its nanos.

| Anu uOcS Cnev QreSSS III uue ClOtOeS lOI Us,
and ride in carriages, aud give lots Of money,
and all for usl"
The thin bundle rubbed faster and faster.
"Yes, if there's any more then as pays for
the dancin' and dressin''; and the dancin' costs
$40 apiece, an the dressin'-oh, dunno! It's
all for us-if there's any left"
"But they didn't give us any when sang, !"
said libby.
"Lors, no." said the thin bundle; "they
think beggars don't need nothin'. They has
folks as hunts up poor folks when they has
time, an sew-s fianrels when they hasn't
Yes, they say they does all this for US, butt
the bundle shook its head as if it were doubt
full, and continued:
Il stood over yondcr thinkin' somebody
would give me somethin'; but they looked
mad at he, and went back inter the shadder
and watched 'enl. 1t was big sight, but I'm
just as hungry" The hands stopped rubbing,
and the eyes looked wet as the bundle added:
| "My mother Is very, very sick Oh, ives
| poor-so poor!
Tosey looked at his little sister as the rags
began to shuttle away.
libby" said he, ave does not feel SO awful
hungry"
libby hesitated She looked at the silver,
and then at the slowly retreating figure, and
then she looked up into Toseys loving face.
NO, Tosey, dunno as does"
Tosey turned around, and running after
the departing figure, handed her the piece Of
money.
There said he, take it; you need it more
than we does"
The bundle looked in surprise as she TOOK the
piece, and tears fell down the cheeks Of the
thin, pale face. But she only said: "Tm
very, very grateful" and walked off.
The two little musicians watched the figure
as it disappeared in the darkness, while the
Eappy shuttle Of the feet grew fainter and
fainter. All, here was charity, godlike
charity, in the hearts of the beings that the
rich despised and thrust from their door!
AS the Cold Night turned toward Kitty, Ike
found her silently wiping her eyes.
"Do you see what true charity is!" he
asked, III a sweet sympathetic voice.
"Yes, yes" murmured Kitty; Il See, see"
While they were talking they had slowly
risen up, up to the brilliant windows again.
"Now LOOK at the mocllery,n said the Cold
Night, somewhat harshly.
1t was the most brilliant hour Of the ball.
Lights from myriads of jets, imbedded in
crystal chandeliers, sparkled with jewels, and
silks and laces were gathered in merry
groups, or joining in pleasurable dance to the
strains of sweet and lively music. 1t was q
beautiful sight indeed; but somehow the
people looked heartless to Kitty, and the
jewels glittered spitefully, while the rich silks
seemed to hiss and hiss as they l1Istled along,
as If all were rebelling against their false
use.
Gut one more act said the Cold Night,
gently leading her down, down, to the oppo-
site side Of the street.
From dark corner, with their arms twined
around each others uecks, the TWO little beg
gers watched the windows Of the brilliantly
lighted HALFWAY up in the sky, it seemed
watched the gay figures that frequently APP
peared in rich dainty dresses, and smiled to
think it was all for the poor and needy.
"They dances for US and for Others" muir
INJURED libby; "for those as is in want
Maybe the beautiful ladies viii find us here
tomorrow, and gives us some bread"
Eyes," said Tosey; "and the poor little girl
as has the sick mother. P'raps they'll find
them, and help them, too"
The Cold Night waved bis hand above
them, and they both shivered, and how cold
it was. Tosey tried to play a note On the
violin, but the strings crealzed 50 dismally
that he laid it aside. Then they sang to-
getber the sweet little song of charity libby
had sung to the rich people; and as they sang
the Cold Night spread his mantle slowly
around them until they were fast asleep.
"Oh sir" cried Kitty, "spare them and let
them ivei"
No." said the Cold Night; they are too
poor to live They must die
Kitty fell on her knees before him. "Oh
sir!" she pleaded, beseechinsly; II am rich
and viii take care of them, and viii relieve
them from suffering"
But the Cold Night raised his hand and
pointed upward, saying:
@Too late, too late!"
As he spoke, he took the beggars in his
arms and slowly rose UP toward the stars,
leaving Kitty sobbing upon the ground. |
And, as she knelt there, she heard, high in |
the skies, the song that tho beggars sang, the |
song of sweet charity. swelling to mighty |
chorus, as one would think to celebrate |
mighty deed-Inighty in the sight Of heaven. |
She tried to raise her head, but could not; |
she seemed bound to the earth by great |
weight, as of gold; while above the song !
grew fainter and fainter till at last it ceased, |
and she fell in a deep swoon.
1t was broad daylight when Kitty awoke,
and the sun was shining brightly into her |
window. IN the hall the maid was humIning |
o subdued song as she went blitheIy about !
her work; while without, the white smoke of |
morning fircs-signs Of stirring Efe-curled t
upward from the chimney tops into the cool |
air, as if glad 10 meet the light of day.
at was only a dream, yet oh, how vividl" |
thought Kitty as she rubbed her eyes again |
and again, surprised TO see the walls OF her
own pretty room actually around her.
"Only dream, yet how full Of truthln |
checrily rang the Inilkman's bell as Kitty
donned her morning dress; while, as she |
passed down the broad staircase. the great |
hall clock seemed to say:
"Only dream, only e dream, yet there's !
lesson and Kitty pondered
A year from that time Kitty passed by the |
sane old clock; but this time it said, as it |
licked. licked away:
SONY 4 dream; yet it's made LeT 81 angel |
angel of mercy to suffering need. Her
naine SO dear to Us, is name of love anon.
the poor. All. happy WAS the day, when TO
her eyes dream revealed true chari.vr-
Boston Christian Register.